Robert W White, Jr.

Robert W. White, Jr. of Paris, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born on October 15, 1940, in Maysville, Kentucky, to the late Robert W. White, Sr. and Evelyn (Farrar) White. He was 85 years old.

Bob proudly served his country for 27 years in the United States Navy. Beginning his career as an Electrician’s Mate, he rose through the enlisted ranks to become a Master Chief in his rating. He served aboard seven different ships and was a proud Vietnam veteran. In recognition of his leadership and accomplishments, Bob was selected to serve as a Command Master Chief and ultimately as the Fleet Master Chief for First Fleet Naval Shore Activities, making him the second senior enlisted sailor in the U.S. Navy at that time. Not ready to retire, Bob chose to continue serving by accepting the position of Command Master Chief aboard the USS Mississippi (CGN-40). Following his tour aboard the “Mighty Mississippi,” he retired from the Navy after nearly three decades of service.

After retirement Bob pursued his second love for golf. He became a Golf Course Superintendent at Little Creek Recreation Club in Ratcliff. For more than 40 years, he could be found on the course nearly every day, enjoying the game, the outdoors, and the friendships it brought. Bob never met a stranger and was loved by everyone.

A memorial service will be held at 9:00 a.m., Friday, July 31st, at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Paris, with the Rev. H.C. Varnadore officiating. Burial will follow, “With Full Military Honors” provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Smith National Cemetery, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris.

He is survived by his wife, Debra K. White; two daughters, Sherry Lynn White of Florida and Susan (Stan) Kubicek of Campbellsport, Wisconsin; two sons, R.A. White and R.W. (Roseanne) White, III; a step-sister, Luwana Harbarger of Arizona; a brother, John N. (Christy) White of Jacksonville, Florida; five grandchildren, John Robert White, Arabella C.P. White, Robyn R.A. White, Nick Kubicek, and Hope Kubicek.

Honorary pallbearers are his golfing buddies from Little Creek, Cherokee Gold Course, and River Valley Pro/Am Golf Association.

Cremation and services are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris.